Summer Associates Program

We are so glad you’re interested in learning about opportunities available to summer associates here at Rivkin Radler. Designed for 2Ls, the program aims to cultivate exceptional talent with the ultimate goal of offering permanent positions at the firm following law school graduation.

Rivkin Radler seeks summer associates who demonstrate exceptional legal acumen, strong analytical and research skills, a commitment to teamwork, a proactive work ethic, effective communication, and a genuine passion for contributing to clients’ success and the firm’s values.

The Hiring Process

The journey begins with applying for the program. We are currently accepting applications for summer 2026. To apply, click here. Qualified candidates will be interviewed by at least four attorneys (partners and associates) and interviews range in duration from 1 to 2 hours. There will be only one round of interviews before the firm selects candidates.

Program Details

While law school teaches students how to think and analyze, law firms teach summer associates how to practice. During the program, summer associates will gain valuable skills, including the art of written and oral advocacy, the essentials of e-discovery, techniques for drafting contracts, and much more!

The 10-week program kicks off in our Long Island office with a week-long orientation, which brings together summer associates from across our offices. Summer associates will receive comprehensive training on our technology and research platforms (including Lexis and Westlaw). They will attend panel discussions with former summer associates, participate in a program on practice management and enjoy activities outside of the office to build camaraderie and connections.

The remainder of the 10-week program will be spent working on substantive client assignments. Summer associates have the flexibility to select assignments that align with their professional interests. You will be encouraged to explore assignments across various practice groups to identify your areas of interest. Assignments include conducting legal research and analysis; drafting memos, briefs, and other legal documents; and helping attorneys prepare for hearings, trials, and depositions. There are also opportunities to participate in client meetings and collaborate with attorneys on complex transactions and litigation matters.

Mentoring

Each summer associate is assigned a partner-mentor and an associate-mentor. Mentors help you navigate the firm, its culture, and its various departments. In addition, we hold Coffee Talks — weekly chats in which summer associates hear from our partners about their own paths to partnership. Summer associates receive their first assignments from their mentors, helping them become familiar with the process and allowing them to ask the right questions before and during the assignment and receiving feedback afterward.

Projects

• Motion and Oral Argument: Showcase your written and oral advocacy skills! As a summer associate, you will work with a set of documents to draft a motion, culminating in an oral argument defending your position.
• Art of the Deal: Summer associates will break into teams for a negotiation. Each team must strive to achieve their secret objectives.  The negotiation culminates in a mock in-person closing argument.

Testimonials

“I had an amazing experience as a Summer Associate at Rivkin Radler. One of the first things that drew me to the firm was its culture, and throughout the summer—whether it was through our coffee chats or working on assignments—I saw firsthand how open, kind, and collaborative everyone was. I also valued the opportunity to work on substantive legal matters across a variety of practice areas, which, along with meaningful mentorship and hands-on experiences, gave me greater clarity on the area of law I hope to pursue after graduation.” – Sarah Natanov

“The Summer Associate Program with Rivkin Radler is the most well-rounded, informative, and fun experience I’ve had as a law student. The Coffee Talks and training sessions allowed me to build relationships with associates in all practice areas at the firm, which led to my involvement in a variety of assignments. The transactional and litigation projects also provided an opportunity to receive valuable feedback on work that I would be undertaking in the near future. Overall, my summer with Rivkin Radler was transformative for my personal and professional development, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences that I was able to experience as a Summer Associate.” – Hayli Parks

“As a summer associate at Rivkin Radler, I was challenged, supported, and encouraged to think critically and sharpen my legal skills. From completing a multitude of legal assignments and negotiating with other summer associates to joining the softball team, I had the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. There is truly no better place to spend your summer than at Rivkin Radler!” – Madison Willmott